Swimming ear plugs are ear plugs which are designed to keep water out of the ear, allowing people to swim or participate in other aquatic sports without getting water in their ears. Ear plugs are highly recommended for swimming, especially in the case of people who swim frequently, because swimmers are at risk of developing infections in their ears as a result of frequent irritation with water. Infections which arise as a result of swimming are known, fittingly, as “swimmer's ear,” and they can be painful and annoying. Additionally, repeat infections can contribute to hearing loss, which is very undesirable.
A number of materials can be used for swimming ear plugs, including silicone, rubber, and foam. Some swimmers like to use wax ear plugs, but this is not recommended, because wax is very heat sensitive, and it can melt in the ear. All swimming ear plugs are designed to fit snugly into the ear canal, creating a seal so that water cannot get past the ear plug. When purchasing ear plugs for swimming, it is important to confirm that they are labeled specifically for swimming use.
Ear plugs are generally reusable, but some precautions should be observed when re-using ear plugs. Reusable ear plugs should never be shared with other people, and they should be swabbed with alcohol or another cleaning fluid after use. After two weeks of use, they should be discarded. Many swimming supply companies sell large containers of swimming ear plugs at affordable costs, so there is no reason to reuse old ear plugs.
Some caution should also be observed when inserting and removing ear plugs. Most ear plugs are inserted by rolling the ear plug in the fingers so that it flattens and narrows, and then carefully inserting it into the ear and holding it there for a moment while it puffs back up, filling the ear canal. When ear plugs are removed, they should not be yanked out of the ear, as this can cause hearing damage. Instead, one side should gently be pulled down to allow air to enter the ear, breaking the seal and allowing the ear plug to fall out.
If a swimmer's ears are infected or irritated, it is a good idea to stay out of the water, even with ear plugs, because the water could exacerbate the infection. Wearing swimming ear plugs for every visit to the water will greatly reduce the risk of infection, especially if the ear plugs are cleaned and replaced regularly, which means that less swimming time will be lost as the result of ear infections.
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Different Types of Swimming Equipment
The type of equipment used for swimming depends largely on its intended function. Swimming equipment is typically used for safety, exercise, and sports. Safety equipment includes everything from inflatable rings to divers’ wet suits. Swimming equipment used for exercise is typically designed for weight loss, toning, and physical therapy. Equipment used for summing-related water sports ranges from volleyballs to surfboards.
Safety equipment for water-related activities is typically designed to keep a swimmer afloat. The youngest swimmer can be fitted with a zippered swim vest to keep him safe while he becomes accustomed to the water. Goggles protect the eyes, while earplugs and nose plugs keep water out. Pleasure boats are typically required to carry life-saving equipment, such as life preservers or regulation personal flotation devices (PFDs) on board.
Snorkels and self-contained underwater breathing apparatus, or SCUBA, gear help swimmers view shallow or deep underwater scenery safely. Divers and surfers often wear wet suits, which are designed to keep the swimmer’s body temperature stable, keep water resistance low, and increase buoyancy. Divers generally use depth gauges, pressure gauges, compasses, and underwater lighting to help them stay safe while swimming. Perhaps the ultimate piece of safety equipment for a sightseeing swimmer is the “shark cage,” which allows swimmers to view shark activity while protected from harm.
Equipment designed for water aerobics or hydrotherapy is generally meant to help people gain strength and flexibility while swimming. Water aerobics minimizes stress on injured or weak joints and muscles, so this is usually appropriate exercise for obese people or those recovering from a severe injury. People often use kickboards to help them get a cardiovascular workout even if they are not expert swimmers. They can hold the kickboard out in front of them and propel themselves up and down the pool by kicking their legs and feet.
Pushing an inflated ball underwater repeatedly can build strength in upper arms and shoulders. Standing on a swimming noodle generally increases balance. Swimming equipment manufacturers usually have a wide variety of exercise equipment suited for water use. This can include barbells, swim fins, webbed gloves and boxing gloves.
Water sports swimming equipment for the pool often includes balls and nets for water sports like volleyball, basketball, and football. It can also include equipment like inflatable lounge chairs and floating obstacle courses for less vigorous activities. In a lake or ocean, swimming equipment typically means surfboards, water skis, paddleboats, and jet skis.
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